Video imaging system with a camera control unit

ABSTRACT

A video imaging system that allows a user to save select image data to a detachable storage device, the image data presented on a display for the user, where the user is provided with various control interfaces for saving and appending information to the saved image data. The detachable storage device also including user settings data that is used to adjust the settings of the camera control unit according to the user preferences.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/034,273, filed on Dec. 28, 2001, which is acontinuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10/039,931, filed 11/09/2001, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,212,227, issued on May 1, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a camera control unit capable of processing avideo signal from many different types of video cameras and, moreparticularly, the invention relates to an integrated camera controlsystem that can save images to numerous types of storage devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A camera and a camera control unit (CCU) are generally used inconjunction with each other to capture and process images, whether stillframes or video clips. The camera typically includes a charge coupledevice (CCD) for receiving reflected light and generating an imagesignal, which is sent to the control unit. The image signal may be sentto the control unit via a hardwired cable or via a wireless connection.Upon receiving the image signal, the CCU processes it into image data,which may comprise one of many different formats. The CCU is also usedto send commands to the camera.

It is known to provide a CCU that is capable of coupling to a number ofdifferent cameras, where each camera may have different camera settingsand image signal formats. The CCU is able to detect the type of cameraattached and adjust itself to function properly with the camera that iscurrently attached. Once the CCU determines the type of camera attachedto it, the CCU will then look to receive camera settings data, eitherfrom the camera or from another location. Once the CCU adjusts to theparticular camera, the CCU may then correctly process the image datasent from the camera.

However, while certain cameras may require particular settings tofunction properly, exact settings are typically not required. In fact,users, such as a surgeon, may often slightly or even significantly,adjust the settings of the camera to their personal optimum desiredsettings. This can be quite time consuming for the user, especially whenthe user is performing multiple procedures during the day and mustreadjust the settings every time new equipment is used from operatingroom to operating room.

Typically, the CCU is coupled to a display, located adjacent to theoperator, such that the formatted image signal is presented on thedisplay so that the operator can view it. Some systems have alsoprovided for saving of image signals on the CCU for later retrieval.However, a limitation of existing systems is that they are generallylimited to function with equipment that is currently in use and are notprovided to seamlessly integrate with newer equipment. The differencebetween older and newer equipment may contribute toward compatibilityproblems between the CCU and the new equipment.

It is also known to provide control of medical equipment via variouscontrol interfaces that may be located in the sterile environment. Forexample, an image may be presented to the user on a display while theuser may enter commands via a keyboard or the like. However, currentsystems do not allow the user to do is manipulate the image(s)/videopresented to the user on the display. It may be highly desirable, forexample, to save certain portions of a video clip or certain imageframes to a particular save location for easy access by the user. It mayalso be advantageous to manipulate the video clip or certain imageframes, for example, to crop, zoom, or add a highlighting box to aparticular location, etc., prior to saving the image to a particularlocation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, what is desired then is a system and method that allows forimage data to be saved to a selected location that may be easilyaccessible to the user.

It is also desired to provide a system and method that provides anoutput interface that will be compatible with future devices andtechnology.

It is further desired to provide a system and method that allows a userto quickly and easily update system settings based on the user'spersonal preferences.

It is still further desired to provide a system and method that allowsthe user to manipulate image data that is saved to a selected location.

These and other objects are achieved, in one embodiment, by theprovision of a CCU that incorporates a USB port for porting/saving ofimages data that is selected by the user. For example, selected imagedata, whether a video clip(s) or a still frame(s), may be sent to theUSB port. The user may provide storage device that will provide easyaccessibility to the data, such as, for example, but not limited to, aUSB flash/thumb device or a USB external hard drive. In this manner, thephysician can simply unplug the USB device from the CCU and take theselected image data with them for review and analysis. This can be veryhelpful for the user, who may not have a network connection to thehospital system and does not want to wait for the data to finally bemade available.

Alternatively, it is conceived that a network device may be plugged intothe USB port such that the user may directly download the selectedimages from the hospital system to which the user's computer isconnected to.

Still further, as technology changes and new equipment becomesavailable, the USB port will provide for a universal data coupling thatwill be compatible with future technologies as it uses an industrystandard data format that can be used by new equipment.

In another embodiment, the CCU is provided with another USB port (or itmay be the same USB port discussed above), in which the user (physician)may insert a USB flash/thumb device or a USB external hard drive thatincludes the user's personal setting preferences. For example, when thecamera is coupled to the CCU, the CCU will detect the type of cameracoupled to it, retrieve the particular settings (e.g. camera's opticalcharacteristics, such as focal distance, resolution, light balance, orcolor), and adjust its settings accordingly. However, the user(physician) may have a personal preference for settings that differ fromthe default settings. Accordingly, the user may have their particularpreferences saved to a USB flash/thumb device that the user merely hasto insert into the USB port. The CCU may then either automaticallyupload the users preference settings, or the user can instruct the CCUto upload the users preference settings. This will save the user thetime of having to adjust settings, which can be significant if the useris performing multiple procedures throughout the day.

The CCU may, in one embodiment, be provided with software executing onthe CCU for determining when the camera is coupled to the CCU. Likewise,software may be provided on the CCU for determining when the USBflash/thumb device is coupled to the USB port. The information retrievedfrom the USB flash/thumb device may comprise data setting, a program(s),or instructions relating to where to retrieve any of the aforementionedinformation. The retrieved data and/or program(s) execute on the CCU forsetting the users preference settings.

It is contemplated that the CCU may comprise, for example, a FieldProgrammable Gate Array (FPGA) (e.g. a configurable hardware device) ora Digital Signal Processor (DSP) (e.g. a soft configurable device) thatmay be programmed depending upon the USB flash/thumb device attachedthereto.

The system may further be provided such that the user can manipulate thevideo clip(s) and/or still frame(s) that are saved to the particularstorage location. For example, the user may be presented with a videofeed of a surgical area in which an endoscope if positioned. The videois presented to the user on a display. The user may then decide thateither a portion of video should be recorded or that a still frame(s)can be taken of the area. If the user decides, for example, to take astill frame picture, the picture may be presented to the user on thedisplay. The user can save the still frame as desired and describedabove. In addition, it is contemplated that the user may desire tomanipulate the still frame in some manner, including, for example,cropping the still frame, enlarging a particular area of the stillframe, or providing a box or the like around a particular portion of theimage to highlight a portion of the surgical area. It is furthercontemplated that this functionality can be done either before or afterthe image is saved. In any event, it provides the user with increasedfunctionality with regard to saving and/or manipulating the still frameor video clip. It is still further contemplated that the user can add orappend written text or audio commentary to the still frame or video clipas desired.

While the device has been described using a display and keyboard, it isstill further contemplated that the video system may use an integratedtouch screen controlling system for presentation of image data, controlof the imaging device(s), manipulation of the image data and saving ofthe image data as desired.

For this application the following terms and definitions shall apply:

The term “data” as used herein means any indicia, signals, marks,symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any other physicalform or forms representing information, whether permanent or temporary,whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric, magnetic, electromagneticor otherwise manifested. The term “data” as used to representpredetermined information in one physical form shall be deemed toencompass any and all representations of the same predeterminedinformation in a different physical form or forms.

The term “network” as used herein includes both networks andinternetworks of all kinds, including the Internet, and is not limitedto any particular network or inter-network.

The terms “first” and “second” are used to distinguish one element, set,data, object or thing from another, and are not used to designaterelative position or arrangement in time.

The terms “coupled”, “coupled to”, and “coupled with” as used hereineach mean a relationship between or among two or more devices,apparatus, files, programs, media, components, networks, systems,subsystems, and/or means, constituting any one or more of (a) aconnection, whether direct or through one or more other devices,apparatus, files, programs, media, components, networks, systems,subsystems, or means, (b) a communications relationship, whether director through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, programs, media,components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, and/or (c) afunctional relationship in which the operation of any one or moredevices, apparatus, files, programs, media, components, networks,systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on theoperation of any one or more others thereof.

The term “surgical suite” as used herein means an integrated surgicalsystem that includes one or more controllers; a bus; one or more medicaldevices (e.g. cutting/cauterizing tool(s), irrigation tool(s),aspiration tool(s), visualization tool(s), recording and/or printingdevices, etc.); where the various devices are coupled to the bus andcontrolled by an interface device.

In one advantageous embodiment a video imaging system is providedcomprising a camera for generating image data, said camera including acamera storage having camera data for identifying the camera. The systemfurther comprises a camera control unit coupled to the camera andreceiving the camera data, the camera control unit adjusting internalsettings based on received camera information such that the cameracontrol unit receives and processes the image data. The system alsocomprises an interface port located in the camera control unit and adetachable storage device coupled to the interface port receivingselected image data that is stored thereon. The system is provided suchthat the interface port is selected from the group consisting of: a USBport, a Firewire port, a serial ATA port and combinations thereof.

In another advantageous embodiment a method for storing image data isprovided comprising the steps of storing camera data on a camera,coupling the camera to a camera control unit and transmitting the cameradata to the camera control unit. The camera control unit furtherreceives camera information. The method also comprises the steps ofconfiguring the camera control unit based on the received camerainformation, generating image data with the camera and transmitting theimage data to the camera control unit. Finally, the method comprises thesteps of coupling a detachable storage device to an interface portlocated in the camera control unit and saving select image data on thedetachable storage device. The method is provided such that theinterface port is selected from the group consisting of: a USB port, aFirewire port, a serial ATA port and combinations thereof.

Other objects of the invention and its particular features andadvantages will become more apparent from consideration of the followingdrawings and accompanying detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one advantageous embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another embodiment according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the USB connection according to FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the USB connection according to FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective diagram of the system according to FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding structure throughout the views.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating video system 10, which generallyincludes a camera 12 and a camera control unit (CCU) 14. The camera mayinclude virtually any type of camera that may be used to generate videoand/or still frame images. In one embodiment, the camera 12 may beattached to an endoscope for use in a surgical procedure. The camera 12is coupled to CCU 14 at camera coupling 19 as indicated by the arrowconnected between camera 12 and CCU 14 in FIG. 1. It is contemplatedthat the coupling may comprise either a hard-wired or a wirelesscoupling. Additionally, the coupling may comprise either an electrical,an optical or a combined electro-optic coupling. For example, theendoscope may be provided with a light source. Alternatively, a lightsource may be located in the CCU 14 such that the illuminating light isprovided to camera 12 via the coupling attachment between camera 12 andCCU 14 or the endoscopic camera head may contain the light source.

It is contemplated that a camera storage 16 is located on camera 12. Thecamera storage 16 may comprise any type of storage device for storingcamera data thereon. For example, camera storage 16 may comprise RAM,ROM, may be permanently located in camera 12 or may comprise adetachable storage device. Camera information 18 is saved on camerastorage 16. Camera information 18 may comprise factory settings forcamera 12. In this manner, upon connection of camera 12 to CCU 14,camera information 16 is transmitted to CCU 14 that identifies the typeof camera and provides the correct settings for CCU 14 to receive andprocess information received from the particular camera attached. TheCCU 14 is therefore self-configurable to automatically detect the typeof camera attached to it. CCU 14 is provided with a processor 20 thatreceives the camera information 16 and a programmable/configurablecontroller 22 that is programmed/configured based on the received camerainformation 16. It should further be noted that camera information maycomprise a software program(s) or may comprise data that is used by aprogram resident on and executing on processor 20. Alternatively, camerainformation may comprise a first program that is transmitted from camera12 to CCU 14 for configuring the processor 20 and a second program thatruns on programmable/configurable controller 22.

Also depicted in FIG. 1 is internal storage device 24, which maycomprise any type of data storage device. As stated above, various dataand/or software programs may be saved on internal storage device 24 forthe operation of CCU 14.

Interface port 26 is further illustrated on CCU 14. The interface port26 may comprise a USB port, a firewire port, or a serial ATA port. Port26 is provided, in one advantageous embodiment, to receive a standardUSB connector. In one embodiment, USB port receives detachable storagedevice 28 that may comprise, a USB flash/thumb device or a USB externalhard drive. It is contemplated that the detachable storage device 28 maybe set to receive selected image data transmitted from camera 12 to CCU14. In still another embodiment, it is contemplated that interface port26 may comprise a wireless coupling to a detachable storage device 28.

Once the CCU 14 is properly programmed/configured to properly processthe image data generated by the camera 12 and transmitted to CCU 14, CCU14 may be programmed to direct selected image data to the detachablestorage device 28. For example, a user (physician) may be performing aprocedure. It may be advantageous to record a video clip of a portion ofthe procedure. Alternatively, it may be desired to save one or morestill frame images of the procedure for the physician to refer to at alater time. The physician may, select certain portions of the procedureto save (e.g. in video and/or still frame format) to detachable storagedevice 28. In this manner, the physician can quickly and easily obtainthe information on the procedure for immediate review and analysiswhether right there in the operating room, immediately after theprocedure at the hospital, or even on the physicians computer at theiroffice or home as it is saved to the physicians detachable storagedevice 28. This is highly advantageous as the physician does not have towait for the images to be processed on the hospital system in order toaccess the information, saving time for the doctor.

In yet another embodiment, it is contemplated that a network connection30 may be coupled to USB port 26 such that the selected information maybe transmitted to a storage device via the network. Additionally, theCCU 14 may be coupled to a surgical suite and provided to controlvarious pieces of equipment, such as, via for example, but not limitedto, a touch screen controller or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the CCU 14 is depicted including a number ofperipheral devices. For example, interface controls 32 are illustratedcoupled to CCU 14. Interface controls 32 may comprise, for example butare not limited to a keyboard, mouse, track device, touch screen, orsimilar interface that allows a user to enter commands into the system10. In a rack mounted embodiment, a keyboard (or other input device) maybe mounted so as to allow the interface device to be positioned for thecomfort of the user. It is contemplated that virtually any type of inputcontrol device may effectively be used to control various medicalinstruments 34 that may be used by the physician, including, suctiondevices, cutting devices, cauterizing devices and the like. Such devicesmay effectively be controlled by the various interface controls 32 bythe physician in the sterile environment or by an individual (e.g. anurse) outside the sterile environment.

Also depicted in FIG. 2 is display 36 for displaying the image data tothe physician. Display 36 may comprise virtually any type of display,such as, for example, a flat panel display providing DVI 480P and 720Pprogressive image capabilities (4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratio). Stillresolutions may comprise, for example, 640×480, 800×600, 1024×768 and soon in various formats such as, JPEG, BMP, TIFF and other formats. Itshould be noted that virtually any resolution may be selected as well asvirtually any type of file format may be selected for the saving ofimage data.

It is still further contemplated that the display 36 may, on anotherembodiment, comprise a touch screen controller where some or all ofinterface controls may be accessible. For example, image data may beprovided on display 36 as well as various controls for controlling theconnected surgical equipment.

Printer 38 is still further illustrated connected to CCU 14. Printer 38may comprise virtually any type of printer (e.g. color printer) forprinting out still frames corresponding to the image data sent to theCCU 14. The printer could be locally positioned in the operating room,it could be rack mounted, or could be coupled to the system 10 via anetwork connection at a remote location. It is further contemplated thatprinter 38 may comprise one or more printers as desired.

Referring back to detachable storage device 28, it is contemplated thatnot only can select image data be stored thereon, but user settings datamay be saved on the detachable storage device 28. While the system 10 isdesigned to automatically identify the type of camera 12 coupled to CCU14 and correspondingly adjust CCU 14 according to the identified camera,the physician may have personal preferences for the operation of camera12 that differ from the default (factory) settings. In this event, theuser can set their personal preferences and save these to the detachablestorage device 28. Upon coupling the detachable storage device to USBport 26, processor 20 can detect and upload the information and adjustthe settings to correspond to the physician's personal preferences. Thiscan be done automatically, or the user may instruct the system 10 toupdate system configuration according to the personal preferences savedon the detachable storage device 28. In any event, this will save theuser the time of having to adjust settings, which can be significant ifthe user is performing multiple procedures throughout the day ondifferent systems in different operating rooms. The saving of selectimage data and the sending of user settings data from detachable storagedevice 28 is further illustrated in FIG. 4.

It is contemplated that the user settings data may comprise data system10 may use to properly set programmable/configurable controller 22, ormay comprise a software program(s) that is uploaded onto CCU 14 forexecuting on the processor 20 and/or programmable/configurablecontroller 22. For example, in one embodiment it is contemplated that afirst program is uploaded to processor 20 for programming the processor,and a second program is uploaded and executed by the processor 20 forproper programming of the programmable/configurable controller 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5, an alternative embodiment is provided.In this embodiment, rather than having a single USB port 26 provided inCCU 14, two USB ports (26, 26′) are provided for receiving two differentdetachable storage devices (28, 28′). For example, detachable storagedevice 28 may be inserted into USB port 26 for receiving select imagedata to be stored thereon. Whereas detachable storage device 28′ may beinserted into USB port 26′ for uploading of user settings data to CCU 14for proper configuration of programmable/configurable controller 22.

While two different USB ports are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 forreceiving various detachable storage devices, it is contemplated thatany number of ports may be used a desired to couple various settingsdata for the attached medical devices.

Referring back to FIG. 2, it is still further contemplated that theimage data presented to the user on display 36 may be manipulated by theuser on screen. For example, the user may desire to zoom in on aparticular area in a still frame, or may want to crop the frame.Additionally, the user may want to append information (audio, visual orlink data) to a video clip or a still frame for later reference andretrieval. For example, the physician may desire to save comments to theimage data, which may be done via an input device that the user mayspeak into for recording and linking to the saved file. Alternatively,the various information may be linked to the file including, the timeand date of the image/video clip, the physician doing the procedure, thelocation of the procedure, the equipment used, etc. Still further, thephysician may desire to write directly on the still frame or attachwritten comments to the video/still frame file. In any event, thisprovides the physician with many differing options for dealing with theimage data that is to be saved to the detachable storage device 28. Itwill be appreciated that the physician may, for example, provideannotation either during or after the image data is recorded, includingthe appending of virtually any type of information such as, a visualannotation to the image data, an audio stream associated with the imagedata, or an alpha-numeric notation, and the like.

FIG. 6 is a perspective drawing of CCU 14 illustrating, for example, USBport 26 positioned on a front panel of CCU 14 along with USB port 26′(shown in dashed lines) and camera coupling 19 where camera 12 isplugged into CCU 14. Alternatively, USB ports 26 and 26′ may bepositioned anywhere on CCU 14, including, for example, on a rear panelof CCU 14.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a particulararrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended toexhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many othermodifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill inthe art.

1. A video imaging system comprising: a camera for generating image data, said camera including a camera storage having camera data for identifying the camera; a camera control unit coupled to said camera and receiving the camera data, said camera control unit adjusting internal settings based on received camera information such that the camera control unit receives and processes the image data; an interface port located in said camera control unit, wherein said interface port comprises a USB port; and a detachable storage device coupled to said interface port receiving selected image data that is stored thereon; wherein said detachable storage device includes user settings data such that the camera control unit is adjusted based on the user settings data stored on said detachable storage device; and wherein said user settings data comprises a software program that executes on said camera control unit.
 2. The video imaging system according to claim 1 wherein said detachable storage device is one of a USB flash/thumb device or a USB external hard drive.
 3. The video imaging system according to claim 2, wherein said at least one interface port includes a first interface port and a second interface port, said at least one detachable storage device includes a first detachable storage device coupled to the first interface port and a second detachable storage device coupled to the second interface port, said second detachable storage device including the user settings data.
 4. The video imaging system according to claim 1 wherein upon connection of the at least one detachable storage device, said camera control unit automatically uploads the user settings data and adjusts the camera control unit.
 5. The video imaging system according to claim 1 wherein said detachable storage device comprises a network connection to a remote storage device.
 6. The video imaging system according to claim 5 wherein said camera control unit is coupled to a surgical suite.
 7. The video imaging system according to claim 1 further comprising a display coupled to the camera control unit such that the image data is presented to a user on said display.
 8. The video imaging system according to claim 7 wherein said display comprises a touch screen controller.
 9. The video imaging system according to claim 7 wherein selected image data presented on said display is saved to said detachable storage device, said image data being selected from the group consisting of: video data, still frame data and combinations thereof.
 10. The video imaging system according to claim 9 further comprising a printer, wherein said image data is printed by said printer such that a hard copy of the image data is generated.
 11. The video imaging system according to claim 9 wherein when still frame data is saved to said detachable storage device, the resolution of the still frame data is selectable from a plurality of selectable resolutions.
 12. The video imaging system according to claim 9 wherein when still frame data is saved to said detachable storage device, the still frame data is savable in a variety of formats selected from the group consisting of: JPG format, BMP format, and TIFF format.
 13. The video imaging system according to claim 9 further comprising interface controls such that the image data is altered by the user and saved on said detachable storage device.
 14. The video imaging system according to claim 13 wherein the altering of the image data comprises at least one of cropping, zooming, highlighting, and appending data.
 15. The video imaging system according to claim 14 wherein the appending of data comprises at least one of visual data, audio data, alpha-numeric data, and linked data.
 16. The video imaging system according to claim 15 wherein the appending of data occurs concurrently with the recording of the image data.
 17. A method for storing image data comprising the steps of: storing camera data on a camera; coupling the camera to a camera control unit; transmitting the camera data to the camera control unit; the camera control unit receiving camera information; configuring the camera control unit based on the received camera information; generating image data with the camera; transmitting the image data to the camera control unit; coupling a detachable storage device to an interface port located in the camera control unit, wherein the interface port is selected from the group consisting of: a USB port, a Firewire port, and a serial ATA port; and saving select image data on the detachable storage device; wherein the method further comprises the steps of transferring user settings data to the camera control unit from the detachable storage device and adjusting the camera control unit based on the received user settings data, wherein the user settings data comprises a program that executes on the camera control unit.
 18. The method according to claim 17 wherein when the interface port is a USB port, the detachable storage device is one of a USB flash/thumb device or a USB external hard drive.
 19. The method according to claim 17 further comprising the steps of coupling a display to the camera control unit, and presenting the image data to a user on the display.
 20. The method according to claim 19 wherein the display is a touch screen control display.
 21. The method according to claim 17 wherein the image data is selected from the group consisting of: video data, still frame data and combinations thereof.
 22. The method according to claim 17 further comprising the step of coupling a printer to the camera control unit and printing the image data.
 23. The method according to claim 17, wherein the at least one detachable storage devices includes a first detachable storage device and a second detachable storage device, wherein the select image data is stored on the first detachable storage device, and wherein the user settings data is transferred to the camera control unit from the second detachable storage device.
 24. The method according to claim 17 further comprising the step of editing the image data.
 25. The method according to claim 24 wherein the editing of the image data comprises at least one of cropping the image data, zooming the image data, highlighting the image data, and appending information to the image data.
 26. The method according to claim 25 wherein when information is appended to the image data, the appended data comprises at least one of visual data, audio data, alpha-numeric data, and linked data.
 27. The method according to claim 26 wherein the appending of data occurs concurrently with the recording of the image data.
 28. A video imaging system comprising: a camera for generating image data, said camera including a camera storage having camera data for identifying the camera; a camera control unit coupled to said camera and receiving the camera data, said camera control unit adjusting internal settings based on received camera information such that the camera control unit receives and processes the image data; an interface port located in said camera control unit, wherein said interface port is selected from the group consisting of: a USB port, a Firewire port, and a serial ATA port; a detachable storage device coupled to said interface port, said detachable storage device having user settings data stored thereon; wherein the camera control unit is adjusted based on the user settings data stored on said detachable storage device; wherein upon connection of the detachable storage device, said camera control unit automatically uploads the user settings data and adjusts the camera control unit; and wherein said user settings data comprises a software program that executes on said camera control unit.
 29. The video imaging system according to claim 28 wherein when said interface port comprises a USB port, said detachable storage device is one of a USB flash/thumb device or a USB external hard drive.
 30. The video imaging system according to claim 28, wherein said at least one detachable storage includes a first detachable storage having the user settings data stored thereon and a second detachable storage having the image data stored thereon.
 31. The video imaging system according to claim 28 wherein said camera control unit is coupled to a surgical suite.
 32. The video imaging system according to claim 28 further comprising a display coupled to the camera control unit such that the image data is presented to a user on said display.
 33. The video imaging system according to claim 32 wherein said display comprises a touch screen controller.
 34. The video imaging system according to claim 32 wherein selected image data presented on said display is saved to an image storage device, said image data being selected from the group consisting of: video data, still frame data and combinations thereof.
 35. The video imaging system according to claim 34 wherein when still frame data is saved to said image storage device, the resolution of the still frame data is selectable from a plurality of selectable resolutions.
 36. The video imaging system according to claim 34 wherein when still frame data is saved to said image storage device, the still frame data is savable in a variety of formats selected from the group consisting of: JPG format, BMP format, and TIFF format.
 37. The video imaging system according to claim 34 further comprising a network connection and wherein said image storage device comprises a remote storage device coupled to said camera control unit via said network connection.
 38. The video imaging system according to claim 34 further comprising interface controls such that the image data is altered by the user and saved on said image storage device.
 39. The video imaging system according to claim 38 wherein the altering of the image data comprises at least one of cropping, zooming, highlighting, and appending data.
 40. The video imaging system according to claim 39 wherein the appending of data comprises at least one of visual data, audio data, alpha-numeric data, and linked data.
 41. The video imaging system according to claim 40 wherein the appending of data occurs concurrently with the recording of the image data. 